How To Find Your Inner Truths By Letting Go Of Old Ideas
We all have hidden truths. These truths have remained hidden for a reason, to protect us. If you are feeling stuck, held back, and have a cluttered mind it may be time to explore this. I used to picture my cluttered mind to be like a wheel in a gerbil cage where the same thoughts just went round and round in a loop. It was not a pretty picture.
Understanding our values and priorities
It is essential to understand our values and priorities in order to lead a fulfilling and purposeful life. Our values are what shape our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. These are our guiding principles and they are deeply rooted in our personal experiences, upbringing, and culture. Our priorities are the things that we consider most important in all the different areas of our lives. We prioritize time for family, our careers, the things we love to do and for time with friends
Achieve a full life
We have to know our truths so we can make more informed decisions about how we spend our time, energy, and resources. Identifying what truly matters to us and aligning our actions and goals is necessary to achieve a full life. How else could we possibly feel a sense of meaning and direction in our lives without understanding our values and the things that are the highest priority to us! Without this information we would waste a lot of time on pursuits that don’t align with our values and priorities.
Improve our relationships
Understanding our values and priorities can also improve our relationships with others. How many times has someone close to you said ‘What do you want?’ Why did you shy away from answering? Is it because you are shy and don’t want to hurt feelings? Or is this because you simply don’t know? When we know what we value and prioritize, we can communicate more effectively with others and better understand their perspectives and needs.
I know what I want, and I learned to say ‘no’ a long time ago. Also I know what the most important things are in any given day. I try to not compromise these things. Sure emergencies happen and we deal. Such is life.
Say what you mean
There is an expression I love and it goes like this. Say what you mean, mean what you say and don’t be mean when you say it. This pretty much covers it all as far as I am concerned. Speaking your truth can lead to deeper connections and more meaningful interactions with those you love. Speaking your truth will get you what you want.
How many times have you heard ‘I am not a mind reader’? People may answer you in this snappy way, when they don’t know what you want. None of us will know what you want and what rules to play be if you don’t tell us..
These are your truths, not what others tell you they are
We need to understand our values and priorities to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, to make informed decisions, and to build strong relationships with others. Letting others tell you what your values and priorities are does not usually work out too well.
Explore your personal truth through journaling
I have found the best way to excavate your truth is through journaling free style or stream of consciousness writing. This means to write whatever comes to your mind. There are no mistakes in free writing/journaling! Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. These writings are for your eyes only. Write whatever words pop in your head. It is this simple.
Freewriting
I have been free writing for at least 25 years admittedly on and off. For years I set my alarm for 20 minutes earlier (4:45 am!) and wrote 3 pages on lined paper in one of those cheap spiral bound notebooks. Then I took a power walk, showered and got out the front door to head to work. I worked til 11 pm most of those days and All weekend.
We all have different circumstances and many obligations during our day. If it is important you will find the time. When we write in a stream of consciousness manner the writing is for our own eyes only. I cannot stress this enough.
So try journaling – not caring about punctuation, grammar, spelling and appearance. Concentrate on one thing only. Try using these writing prompts.
What value will I not compromise?
How do I say ‘No’ the next time I want to?
What one small change will make me feel best today?
How to write
If you wake up and have to do something this day that is unavoidable and you are a wreck about it – journal about this. Start your day by dumping all these thoughts on paper. Likewise if you are looking forward to a great day, and I hope you are!, write about this. Write about anything. If you can’t find any gripes to put down on the blank page staring at you you must have much to be grateful for! Write a gratitude list! These pages are for your eyes only.
If you are too busy to write you are too busy.
If you are new to this concept and saying “Journal 3 pages every morning, are you nuts!?” But I have a house full of kids, a husband and a job I need to take care of and get to!” This is actually precisely when you need to write the most. I know! I balked at this too. This writing technique not only saved my life it helped me build a foundation to the magical life I have today.
If you can’t possibly write 3 pages write 1 page. If this isn’t possible then answer one question in writing. I have a list of more Free! writing prompts to get you started. Or ask your own questions and write the answer on paper or digitally.
You are taking an inventory
By writing daily you are taking an inventory of where you are at and where you want to get to. The more honest you are the more your hopes and dreams will be recorded in these writings. You will find your personal truth. It would be impossible not to if you are honest.
Writing is an extremely safe way to feel comfortable expressing yourself honestly and authentically. So much can change when we know our truths! Find a comfy spot to write in a cheap notebook, fancy journal or on a keyboard. What matters is getting your thoughts on the page. My thoughts pour out so fast the pen can hardly keep up!
Now start writing freely
Remember don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation, just let your thoughts and feelings flow onto the page. Write about anything that comes to mind, even if it seems trivial or unimportant. Allow yourself to be honest and vulnerable.
Help! I’m stuck and don’t know what to write
To dig deeper and uncover your hidden truths, try asking yourself questions. What are you really feeling? When else do you feel this way, is there a pattern? Why are you feeling this way? What do you want or need that you’re not getting? What’s holding you back from achieving your goals or living the life you want to live? Write down your answers to these questions, and keep asking more questions until you feel you’ve uncovered something significant.
Challenge yourself and your beliefs when writing
With the benefit of time you will uncover your hidden truths. You will be amazed to see what you will learn about yourself by challenging yourself with questions such as ‘do I really believe this?’ or ‘I used to believe this and don’t think I do anymore.’ Write about this! Let go of old beliefs! You have grown and changed and have come into your own beliefs, not the beliefs instilled into you by good intentioned (hopefully!) folks.
Ask yourself if your beliefs are really true, and if they are serving you in a positive way. If not, journal about what you can do to change your beliefs. What new truths and beliefs will you adopt that are more helpful?
Action!
Finally, take action based on the truths you’ve uncovered through your writing. Use what you’ve learned to make positive changes in your life. Keep journaling your goals and write a plan of action to achieve your goals and dreams. Take steps to overcome the obstacles that have been holding you back. By taking action, you can turn your hidden truths into powerful tools for personal growth and transformation.
Keep writing!
You will learn your truths, values and what has been holding you back to make positive changes in your life. Be honest, brave and allow yourself to be vulnerable. You may not like all that is revealed. Stay with it. All this information you are revealing is the key to unlocking your full potential and living the life you truly want to live. I am so excited for you!
Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutterer and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.
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